MARIA ANNA DZIAD

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MARIA ANNA DZIAD March 13, 1914 - October 5, 2006 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Dziad at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg. Peacefully, enveloped by her family, she embarked on her final journey. The circle of life is complete for Mom. She had a spirit which never diminished although her body eventually failed. She was born in Jaroslaw, Poland, March 13, 1914. She and her siblings were raised by her mother, her father perished in the First World War. At age 10, being the oldest, she went to work as a nanny/housekeeper to help support the struggling family. She married Stanislaus on April 25, 1936 in Sokal, Poland. They settled into farming life and had two girls, Sophie and Antonia. February 10, 1940 was a catastrophic day in her life. Russian troops evacuated whole villages, packed them on to cattle cars and deported them to labour camps in Arkhangelsk, Siberia. They lived in long barracks expecting to live out their lives there. Mom worked in the bakery, producing up to 1000 kg. of bread daily. Her next job was delivering mail 30 km per day through the Siberian forest. She ultimately lost her two girls to the cold, hunger, dysentery and typhus. After Germany attacked Russia, the Polish deportees were allowed to flee south through various countries - Kazakstan, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, finally settling in a Polish Refugee Camp in Tengeru, Africa in 1942. Finally they were warm and well fed. Joseph and Teresa were born here. The family lived here for five years. The young family continued their journey to freedom in Canada, arriving in Arborg, MB in December 1948. Living with relatives and with the help of the Benedictine Sisters, their lives finally took root. Tony and John were born here. After retirement from St. Benedict's Manor where she worked as an aide, she continued to be an active member of St. Philip's Church, the church she loved. With her garden and volunteer work, her retirement years were busy. Due to failing health, she moved to Canadian Polish Manor in Winnipeg and then to Holy Family Nursing Home. Throughout her life, Mom's faith in God never wavered in a nano second. Her well-honed survival instincts, determination, persistence and hard work enabled her to provide her family with the best life she could. She was the rock and the hub from which in her matriarchal role, she dispensed her life lessons, wisdom, caring, and tolerance. To the end, her fragile body never contained a mean bone. Mom is survived by her family, Joseph, Teresa (Bruce Lees), Tony (Marlene) and John (Karen). Grandchildren, Dana, Jennifer, Brad, Jesse, Ashley, Shane, Morgan and Keye. Prayers at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 9 at the Mackenzie Funeral Chapel, Arborg, MB. Burial Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10 at St. Philip Neri Church, Arborg, MB. WIECZNY ODPOCZYNEK RACZ MU DAC PANIE Arborg Mackenzie Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2006